Engaging: Art gallery’s new appointment

THE Art Gallery of Ballarat has announced its new appointment of Helen Walpole to the role of assistant director – engagement.

Prior to taking up the key role, Ms Walpole lectured in Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies at Deakin University and held the role of experience lead with the City of Melbourne.

“I’m thrilled to be joining such a strong and inspiring team at the Art Gallery of Ballarat,” said Ms Walpole who brings to the task a valuable skillset blending audience engagement and digital experience with curatorial and academic expertise.

The new appointee said she is looking forward to working with the engagement team to further enhance many aspects of the gallery’s visitor experience.

“It’s an exciting time for the institution, and there’s so much going on across the art gallery’s exhibitions, programs, education and online spaces,” she said.

“Ballarat has such a vibrant community that really embraces creativity and culture. I’ve already had a wonderfully warm welcome and so I’m really looking forward to diving in.”

She now leads the gallery’s engagement team comprising marketing, audience engagement and learning, development, and front of house and retail.

In this task she will be able to draw on a background that includes serving as the curator and creative director of the MCG’s Australian Sports Museum.

During her tenure, Ms Walpole was responsible for leading the award-winning redevelopment of the museum’s on-site and online experiences.

Her role included developing the museum’s collection of contemporary and historical art and coordinating the museum’s biennial Contemporary Arts Fellowship.

Originally from Tasmania, she holds a Master of Art Curatorship from Melbourne University while her career to date has taken her to France, Vanuatu and several cities in Australia.

Art Gallery of Ballarat director Louise Tegart said Ms Walpole’s ability to drive organisational improvements would have impact on several streams of the engagement team’s operations.

“Helen brings an impressive range of strengths to our team. I am particularly enthusiastic about Helen’s deep understanding of audience segments and her passion for connecting people with Australian art,” Ms Tegart said.

“Helen’s proven track record in project management along with her experience in leading teams makes her well-placed to have an enormous impact at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.”